Winning project "überall": unsuitable for the cityscape, too large and too expensive
Following the negative outcome of the referendum on the project loan for a new theatre in Lucerne, the city of Lucerne commissioned the gfs.bern institute to conduct a public opinion poll. The results are now available. Lucerne voters considered the project too large and presumably too expensive. Above all, they did not like it, and the voting population felt that the project did not fit into the cityscape. At the same time, it became clear that the Lucerne Theatre enjoys great support and sympathy among the population.
The statistical model indicates how agreement with an argument affects the probability that a person voted Yes. All other factors are held constant.
The survey was conducted between 11 March and 21 April 2025. A total of 1,521 eligible voters in the city of Lucerne took part. With a sample size of 4,000 people, the response rate was relatively high at 38 per cent.
The voting population is theatre-friendly
The high response rate shows that the Lucerne Theatre is a topic of above-average interest among the population. Lucerne voters are theatre lovers. The vast majority of those surveyed support the theatre and want to see it continue into the future. Most respondents are familiar with the Lucerne Theatre: a third of those surveyed visit the theatre at least once a year. Visitors are very or fairly satisfied with what is on offer.
Key arguments in favour: cultural identity and enhancement of the city
The main argument in favour of approving the loan proposal was to strengthen the city’s cultural identity and, in turn, enhance its appeal. Respondents expect the theatre to provide entertainment, preserve cultural values, serve as a place for exchange and encounters, promote dialogue and education, and offer a counterpoint to the digital world. Only around 30 percent of respondents believe that the Lucerne Theatre could be replaced by other offerings. Over 40 percent consider the theatre irreplaceable.
Project «überall» deemed too large and too expensive
However, the “überall” project did not meet with approval. From the moment the project was first announced in December 2022, there was a clear trend towards rejection. This was particularly evident among people who were critical of the theatre, but also among many who were positive about it. Older people and men tended to be more negative. The project itself failed to convince, and its integration into the townscape and urban space was rejected by the majority of the population. There are also reasons for rejection related to the high costs and size of the project. There are calls for a rescaled and less ‘large’ project.
Divided opinion among the parties
There is a left/right trend across the political spectrum. The votes in favour came mainly from the Green, SP and GLP camps, while the centre and the FDP tended to reject the proposal. Rejection is very clear in the SVP camp. 27 percent of those who do not feel affiliated with any party voted in favour. Negative attitudes formed early on. Over 60 percent of those with a negative attitude made their decision from the outset or at the latest when the revised draft was presented.
Call for greater participation
There are calls for greater public involvement in the planning process, with clear guidelines and objectives being set. Above all, however, the new theatre infrastructure should blend in better with its surroundings.
Findings for further action
The results of the public survey support the initial statements made by the city council after the vote. The rejection of the project loan is clearly not a rejection of the theatre in Lucerne. Rather, many people did not like the project and felt that it did not fit in with the townscape. It was also considered too large and too expensive.
For the next steps, this means:
- From the outset, the population must be involved more closely and allowed to participate in decisions.
- In the initial phase, the further development of the Theaterwerkplatz Luzern must be guided by cultural policy guidelines and political consensus.
- Communication must continue to be given high priority.
- Civil society must be familiarised with the project from the outset and it must be anchored as broadly as possible.
- The theatre’s existing partnerships must be maintained and expanded, including beyond the city limits.
- The urban development theme of cultural spaces should be seen even more strongly as a strategic task for the city in general and anchored in overall urban planning.
Proceedings on the future of Lucerne Theatre to be resumed
The city council has taken note of the final report from the gfs.bern institute. Based on the findings of the public survey, the assessments derived from it, the city council’s cultural policy objectives and the principles established in earlier processes, the process for the future of Lucerne Theatre will be resumed. The population wants to see the theatre infrastructure develop in a culturally diverse and socially anchored manner. The city council has therefore commissioned a report and proposal. This will outline the current status, the objectives for the future of the Lucerne Theatre and the planned course of action. At the same time, the necessary resources will be quantified and requested. Parliament should be able to discuss this by the end of 2025.
The complete final report (in German) with further details and analyses can be downloaded here.
